Khulna: The Khulna-6 parliamentary constituency, encompassing Koyra and Paikgacha upazilas, is poised for a competitive race in the 13th national parliamentary election. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is determined to reclaim the seat, while Jamaat-e-Islami is striving for a political resurgence.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Khulna-6 has historically been a Jamaat-e-Islami stronghold. In past elections, BNP and Jamaat were allies, with BNP often conceding the seat to Jamaat. However, the dissolution of this alliance has led both parties to contest independently this time.
BNP's success largely depends on maintaining internal cohesion, whereas Jamaat's prospects could improve if BNP encounters internal strife, as assessed by voters and election observers. BNP's SM Monirul Hasan Bappi faces Jamaat-e-Islami's Abul Kalam Azad. Other candidates include Mostafa Kamal Jahangir of Jatiya Party, Md Asadullah Fakir of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, and Prashanta Kumar Mandal of the Communist Party of Bangladesh.
Local political leaders recall that BNP last won the seat in 1979, while Jamaat claimed victories in 1991 and 2001. Many voters anticipate that the main contest this year will be between BNP and Jamaat. Maulana Suja Uddin, Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary of Koyra Upazila, expressed optimism about Jamaat's chances, citing historical support for the party in the region.
BNP leaders are also hopeful. MA Hasan, Member Secretary of Koyra Upazila BNP Election Management Committee, believes that the party can effectively mobilize its voter base with its own candidate in the race. Election Commission data show that Khulna-6 has 418,734 registered voters, including 208,524 women, 210,209 men, and one third-gender voter.
Candidates and their supporters have been actively engaging with voters, emphasizing the need for meaningful changes in development and disaster management. Samir Bhattachariya, a resident of Paikgacha, highlighted the significance of the constituency's 94,613 Hindu voters, suggesting their support could be crucial.
The region's labor force, heavily reliant on the Sundarbans, faces climate-related challenges. Key election issues include coastal development, law and order, minority and women's security, infrastructure improvements, safe drinking water, healthcare, and tourism development in the Sundarbans.
BNP candidate Monirul Hasan Bappi has pledged to prioritize sustainable infrastructure, healthcare, and transparency in development projects if elected. Meanwhile, Jamaat candidate Abul Kalam Azad has criticized previous representatives for corruption and promised infrastructure and service improvements.